New-look Demons stun Suns in AFL

With seven players making their debuts for the club, Melbourne led at every change and saw off several challenges from the fast-finishing Suns to record the 17.13 (115) to 13.11 (89) victory.

"This footy club has been challenged a lot and the results haven't been great when that's happened (in the past)," Roos said.

"We played some good footy ... (but) getting challenged in the second, third and fourth quarters and the guys responding on the ground, I think, was the most pleasing thing.

"The guys who came from other clubs really fit in exceptionally well and the new players all did their bit when they had to.

"It was certainly a good day for the club."

Gary Ablett played with his left shoulder heavily strapped and appeared to be hampered at times, but he looked set to break Demons hearts with back-to-back goals that narrowed the margin to eight points in the final term.